Member Perks

Members of the Quarter

The Chao Family was the second lucky family to be randomly selected as our Members of the Quarter! Mom- Dana, Dad- Frederick, Daughter- Keira and Son- Kylar are new to the area and have the ‘Household Plus Membership.’

When the Chao’s arrived at the Zoo, they started their tour at the Goat Yard. While there, the family was able to spend some time brushing our Nigerian dwarf goats and were excited to learn the moms were still nursing their babies. Because they were visiting the Zoo right after we opened, they had the chance to walk through the rest of the ZooFarm and see all three African-crested porcupines out enjoying a cool treat before it got too hot. They even caught a glimpse of Lucy, our female Kunekune pig, relaxing in her pool.

The family was then led on a guided tour through the World of Reptiles and saw some exciting animals like our saki monkeys, titi monkeys and the Reticulated python. For the next stop on the tour, the family took a ride on the Zoo Train. On the train ride they got to see our two female Cinereous vultures, which you can only view from the train route (or a careful peek through the back of the Tapir exhibit).

The walk concluded with a delicious meal and refreshing drinks at the African Village Café. Read on to learn a little more about our Members of the Quarter and how you can have the chance to be next!

Q: How long have you been Zoo members?

A: We just moved to Chesapeake in April and are new to the area.  We decided to join the Zoo because the membership includes so much and gives many options to explore the Hampton Roads area. With the membership swaps you can experience so many enjoyable activities.

Q: What’s your favorite part of the Zoo?

A:  Our favorites areas we always need to visit are the goat yard, tiger exhibit, and now the Zoo Train for the kids. Today was our first day riding the train and we’ll have to do it more now!

Q: What’s the best part about your Zoo membership?

A:  You don’t have to see everything in one visit. You can come for an hour and continue the visit on another day.  We have also taken advantage of the member perks. During the June membership swap my family visited the Norfolk Botanical Garden at least three times.We’re also really looking forward to attending a Member Night and Adults Only Zoo Night.

Q: Do you have family or friends that have Virginia Zoo memberships?

A: No, but we have taken advantage of the guest spot on our Household Plus membership. The guest space is really a great value.

Q: Have you joined the Zoo Member Facebook group yet?

A: I just did!

A big thank you to the Chao family for being Virginia Zoo members and our second Members of the Quarter! If you’d like to be featured as our next member of the quarter, entering to win is easy. Just visit the Virginia Zoo in July, August or September, as often as you’d like, and you’re automatically entered to win a private Zoo experience and a feature in the Zoo Blog.